Crown Prosecutor (CPS) in Bristol

As a Crown Prosecutor, you work within the magistrates' court, working with prosecution teams to assess and present evidence in cases that span from common assault to drug-related offences. The employer is a public sector organisation with a commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice. Operating as part of a large organisation, they are focused on delivering high-quality legal services to the community.

Your role involves advocacy in the Magistrates Court, where you will spend most of your time prosecuting the full range of courts. You will support victims and witnesses attending court to give evidence in contested matters.

You benefit from a structured induction, four-month training plan and opportunities to shadow colleagues across the organisation. Once you gain further experience, you have options to progress into senior crown prosecutor, crown advocate and legal manager roles.

Your roles and responsibilities:

• To prepare and present cases for prosecution in the magistrates' court
• To advise police and other investigators on casework in a wide range of summary-only and some either-way offences
• To decide, based on evidence, whether prosecutions should proceed or be discontinued in matters heard in the magistrates' court
• To explain our decisions clearly to stakeholders including magistrates, counsel, victims, witnesses and the police
• To work effectively as part of a multiskilled team

Profile

The successful candidate will be a qualified lawyer who is able to demonstrate commitment to public service, making a difference to communities and Crown Prosecution Service values. You will be focused on personal development and career progression. No prior experience in criminal law is required for this role.

Qualifications

• Legally qualified: You must be a qualified solicitor or barrister. You must be able to obtain a valid Practising Certificate for England and Wales by 16 March 2026.
• Academic: You must have a law degree, Common Professional Examination and/or Graduate Diploma in Law.
• Professional: You must have completed a Legal Practice Course, Solicitors Qualifying Exam or Bar Professional Training Course and the relevant pupillage and training contract - or have received full exemption from the relevant professional regulatory body, either the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Bar Standards Board.
• or CILEx: You must be a Fellow of CILEx and a CILEx Advocate/Litigator holding all three advocacy certificates providing you with a 'general qualification' within the meaning of s (3) (c) Courts and Legal Services Act 1990.

Crown prosecutors are court-based positions only. Successful candidates are required to attend court daily, to carry out their role. The Crown Prosecution Service is a disability confident employer so is committed to make reasonable adjustments which enables daily attendance at court.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard.

Job Offer

The starting salary and benefits for this opportunity is: Salary: £44,250 - £50,000 (depending on location), a Civil Service contributory pension of up to 28%, 25 days' leave, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, lawyer training program, competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave, flexible working and a family-friendly approach to work.